Aloe Vera

Species Name:  aloe vera.

Also known as: A. barbadensis Mill., A. vulgaris Lam.

Aloe Vera is a medicinal herb, and many people use the gel of the plant to apply directly to wounds, burns, and infections of the skin.

Most people are aware of its value in treating sunburn, especially when chilled before using.

The aloe vera plant is stemless or short stemmed and grows to a height of 80-100 cm, spreading by offsets and root sprouts. Its leaves are green to grey-green in color, thick and fleshy with a serrated margin. The flowers are produced on a spike that may be up to 90 cm tall.

Plants in the aloe species are usually cultivated as ornamental plants for both gardens and in the potted variety. In fact, many of the species are highly decorative and valued highly by collectors of succulents.

Home Remedies using Aloe Vera:

Benefits of Aloe Vera:

It is suggested that aloe vera’s beneficial properties are related to the presence of mucopolysaccharides in the inner gel of the leaf, especially acemannan.

An injectable form of acemannan has been approved by the FDA for treatment of fibrosarcoma, a type of canine and feline cancer, but it has not been approved for use in human.

Even though it is not a drug, it is a controlled substances and you can only obtain it from a veterinarian.

Cosmetic companies add sap or other derivatives of aloe vera to products such as makeup, moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, shampoos, and lotions, but the effectiveness of these inclusions is presently inconclusive. It is believed that aloe vera gel is useful for dry skin conditions and eczema around the eyes and sensitive skin of the face.

Some experts also believe that aloe vera is effective in the treatment of athlete’s foot; however, the topical application is not as effective in preventing radiation-induced injuries. Studies are inconclusive regarding its wound healing properties.

Uses of Aloe Vera:

• Food preservative
• Treatment of skin conditions such as cuts, burns, and eczema
• Coughs
• Wounds
• Ulcers
• Gastritis
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Headaches
• Arthritis
• Immune system booster
• Laxative
• Healing damaged skin
• Gel
• Lotion
• Liquid for internal use
• As a dietary supplement

Side Effects of Aloe Vera:

• Avoid using aloe vera internally during pregnancy. High doses of the leaves can cause vomiting.
• Genotoxicity studies indicate that aloe-containing laxatives may increase the risk of cancer even when used as directed
• Possibility of acute hepatitis or other adverse effects when taken internally.